Terazosin is also used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It does not shrink the prostate, but it works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and part of the bladder. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently (including during the middle of the night).

Terazosin belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Terazosin may also be used to help your body "pass," or get rid of, kidney stones through urination. It has also been used to help treat bladder problems in women.

How to use terazosin

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking terazosin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime.

If you are taking this drug for the first time, do not take more than 1 milligram to start. Terazosin may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when taking your first dose. Therefore, to avoid injury related to dizziness or fainting, take your first dose of terazosin at bedtime.

Your doctor will start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Any time your dose is increased or if you restart treatment after you have stopped it, take your first dose at bedtime unless otherwise directed to lessen the risk of injury related to dizziness or fainting. Also during these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. If you miss taking terazosin for a few days, you may need to restart treatment at the low dose and gradually increase your dose again. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure, it is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Tell your doctor if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.

If you are taking this drug for an enlarged prostate, it may take 2 to 4 weeks to see an improvement in your symptoms, and up to 6 weeks before you see the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Precautions

Before taking terazosin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other alpha blockers such as doxazosin or prazosin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. You should avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after the first dose, after your dose is increased, and when this medication is restarted after it has been stopped. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, fainting, and low blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other alpha blocker drugs (such as prazosin, tamsulosin).

If you are also taking a drug to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications to minimize this risk.

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist for more details.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

If you have high blood pressure, lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more details.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and share the results with your doctor.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as prostate exams, blood pressure) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. See also How to Use section.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Capsules should be stored between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C), because they may soften or melt if stored at higher than recommended temperatures. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Information last revised December 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.

Treatment by Condition Related to terazosin

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, expect as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

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